The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to address poverty by empowering individuals to become self-sufficient and independent. The program goes beyond providing basic necessities and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, creating a community of active citizens making a difference. By incentivizing employment opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering community involvement, the program aims to break the cycle of poverty and enable long-term success. It works in conjunction with the KEYS Empowerment Housing program and other existing housing programs to create sustainable change through active citizenship, community involvement, and life purpose.

Program Components:

Success Mindset Program:

•   A personal success program that inspires and engages participants with the perseverance and determination of an entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in any area of life.
• Experiential, problem-based learning program to expose participants to the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset and the limitless opportunities it can provide.
• Focuses on providing experiential learning beyond the classroom, making connections, and building relationships that can support participants throughout life.
• Aims to inspire hope and opportunity for the future while teaching entrepreneurial skills needed for securing employment or creating entrepreneurial pathways.

Start Smart/Entrepreneur Edge:

The #1 reason small businesses fail is a lack of product-market fit. We use the lean startup method to help our alumni avoid this common pitfall by starting small, failing fast, and doing extensive work on customer discovery before they invest too much money in a solution to a problem no one has. We guide entrepreneurs through an active process of testing and refining their business models.

We help participants work together to explore their ideas, learn how to refine their models through meaningful customer feedback and define the next steps.

• Workshop-based program tailored to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Guides participants in navigating business beginnings or expanding existing ventures.
• Incorporates cultural elements into business models, marketing strategies, and customer engagement.
• Supports entrepreneurs in embracing their cultural heritage while pursuing their entrepreneurial goals.

H.O.M.E. 101 Home Ownership Made Easy 101 :    

Are you really ready to buy a home? It’s Never Too Early to GET READY!

Even a first-time home buyer understands that purchasing a new home is not an impulse purchase. You can’t just walk in and say, “I’ll take it!” There are a lot of things to do and prepare for before you make that offer (on paper, through your real estate agent)—and even before you go to your first open house.

Overwhelmed?

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get ready to buy a new home.

• A culturally sensitive program that empowers individuals from the BIPOC community to achieve home ownership.
• Provides resources, guidance, and support specific to cultural considerations and challenges.

Garden 2 Table:

• Facilitates the first steps in the food sovereignty journey
• Allows the community to grow their own healthy, organic food.
• Cultural connection through sustainable urban gardening practices.
• Strengthens cultural identity, community bonding, and sustainable living through shared gardening experiences.
• Tight-knit communities produce individuals who take greater initiative in preserving the positive components of their communities which ultimately increases economic opportunity and overall well-being.
• Includes container gardening adaptable to limited spaces and vertical gardening for urban environments.
• Supports community food distribution programs, ensuring culturally appropriate fresh produce reaches those in need.
• Embrace the cultural importance of a positive mindset in adopting healthy eating habits, particularly regarding fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Recognize the significance of fruits and vegetables, understanding their traditional health benefits and culinary practices.
• Challenge and transform any misconceptions or negative beliefs about fresh produce.
• Cultivate a growth mindset by exploring culturally diverse varieties of fruits and vegetables and experimenting with traditional cooking techniques and flavors.
• Practice mindful eating, savoring the sensory experience of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Set achievable goals to gradually increase the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in your meals.
• Connect with a supportive community that values cultural diversity and can provide encouragement and support on your journey towards a fruit and vegetable-rich diet.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Academy:

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES

The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Academy Advantage

Our mission is to empower underemployed community members with technical and workplace skills, building confidence and unlocking social and economic opportunities. Join us in shaping a brighter future for yourself.

The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Academy is inclusive and offers flexibility for learners from all backgrounds. Secure a credential that opens doors to high-growth fields and positions you as a valuable asset in the workforce.

The certifications will support workers seeking higher wages and better job prospects.  Corporate America can take advantage of this skilled and diverse talent pool while unlocking new job opportunities.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Academy will prepare learners for high-demand, entry-level digital jobs and equip them with critical workplace skills.

Learners have access to:

Entry-level Professional Certificates from industry leader, Google which train workers without a degree or technology experience for well-paying digital jobs with career mobility potential

Transferable college credit: Certificates from Google have ACE® Credit Recommendation, which means learners who complete these certificates are eligible to receive up to 12 college credits from participating colleges and universities in the US, or the equivalent of four college courses at the associate’s degree level

Employer Talent Consortium for completed program graduates, access to job opportunities and professional development services.

Applied Digital Skills:

​ Applied Digital Skills is an innovative, project-based online learning curriculum. Through this engaging curriculum, students actively apply their digital skills to solve real-world problems. Each lesson guides students through step-by-step video instructions, enabling them to build digital projects from scratch. Upon completing a lesson, students showcase their academic learning or career readiness with projects like infographics, interactive stories, resumes, or portfolios.

Free of charge, and flexible.

The Applied Digital Skills curriculum is cost-free and offers learners of all ages, ranging from high school students to adult learners. Each lesson features a series of instructional videos that teach essential digital skills using Google Workspace applications like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The self-paced nature of the videos allows students to progress at their own speed.

Skills for school, work, and life

Bucket 4 Life:

• Art therapy program that recognizes diverse artistic expressions and healing practices.
• Utilizes the painting of garden buckets as a means of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
• Incorporates cultural symbols, motifs, and storytelling within the artistic process.
• Supports individuals from various cultural diasporas in overcoming challenges and fostering resilience.

Creating sustainable change rooted in community involvement, active citizenship, and cultural appreciation.